animal rights

Argentina court recognizes two goldfish as sentient beings with rights

2 months ago

Two goldfish in a glass display case at a Buenos Aires sushi restaurant were rescued after being recognized as sentient beings with rights in an Argentine court.
The NGO Jaulas Vacías filed a complaint arguing the fish's conditions violated animal abuse laws, leading to their transfer to a larger, more suitable tank.
The court ruling set a precedent by declaring the fish 'subjects of law', moving them from being considered objects to beings with rights, impacting similar cases.
Experts noted that keeping fish in inadequate conditions, such as insufficient space or exposure to stress, is illegal under Argentine law, though ownership itself is not.
This case follows other global precedents, like Sandra the orangutan, and highlights the growing legal recognition of non-human animals as sentient beings deserving protection.